2007 Cayman S, 60K miles.
Regarding the O2 sensors, should these be replaced as part of preventative maintenance or wait till they fail?

Thanks!

 

My guess would be to wait till they fail. But just a guess. Don't recall any mention of replacement as preventative maintenance in any factory docs or bulletins.

 

Most O2 sensors have a life of more than 100K miles. If you want to throw out 40% of the life - go for it.

 

Ha - I'll wait. At my rate of driving, that will be around 7 years from now!

Thanks for the responses.

 

O2 sensors contribute to the management of the engine by providing data to the ECM for fuel management.

As they age they can lead to suboptimal air/fuel ratios decreasing fuel efficiency and power.

Nothing catastrophic mind you but they are over 13 years old.

If you are capable of doing it yourself and buy the Bosch direct fit sensors (not Porsche branded) I'd say go for it.

If you would have to have a shop do it, I'd say it's probably not worth the expense if there is no actual problem.

 

I typically replace that kind of stuff "while I'm in there" So if I had to get into the exhaust I'd probably change them due to age alone. Since you don't mention a check engine like they probably are still working.

 

Don't fix what is not broke. If O2 sensor is not working well, you will notice a drop in fuel efficiency.

 

A scanner tool will tell you if a sensor has failed.. so usually there's no guess work whatsoever.
When one fails => replace 'em all.

Typically a new O2 Sensor needs "drive cycles" to get to the "ready state" before a smog test (if needed).
The amount and type of drive cycles varies among the different manufacturers.
I don't know what they are for Porsche.

Note that heavy use of gas additives can bung up your O2 Sensors. Like dumping too much Techroline in the gas tank.